[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/zpesystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/What-is-FIPS-140-3.jpg” alt=”A lock representing cybersecurity, with the title What is FIPS 140-3 and why does it matter?” title_text=”A lock representing cybersecurity, with the title What is FIPS 140-3 and why does it matter?” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Handling sensitive information is a responsibility shared by so many organizations. Ensuring the security of data, whether in transit or at rest, is not only critical for maintaining the trust of end users and customers, but is often a regulatory requirement. One of the most reliable ways to secure data within network infrastructure is by implementing FIPS 140-3-certified cryptographic solutions. This certification, which was developed by the <\/span>National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)<\/span><\/a>, serves as a benchmark for robust encryption practices, enabling organizations to meet high security standards and ensure regulatory compliance.<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s explore what it means to have FIPS 140-3 certification, why it matters, and its key applications in network infrastructure.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f4f4f4″ width=”auto” custom_padding=”15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”|||15px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”15px|15px||15px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-3 certification is a stringent, government-endorsed security standard that sets guidelines for cryptographic modules used to protect sensitive data. It includes requirements for securing cryptographic functions within hardware, software, and firmware. The certification process rigorously tests cryptographic solutions for security and reliability, ensuring that they meet specific criteria in data encryption, access control, and physical security.<\/span><\/p>\n There are four levels of FIPS 140-3 certification, each adding layers of protection to help secure information in various environments:<\/span><\/p>\n FIPS 140-3 certification ensures that an organization\u2019s network infrastructure meets high standards for cryptographic security. This is important for protecting sensitive information against cyber threats as well as fulfilling regulatory requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”auto” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” border_color_top=”#78828A” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#D6D6D6″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” custom_padding=”15px||||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n FIPS 140-3 certification is often required by regulatory bodies, especially in sectors like government\/defense, healthcare, and finance, where sensitive data must be protected by law. Here are a few industry-specific regulations that FIPS 140-3-certified modules help with:<\/span><\/p>\n Compliance with FIPS 140-3 also makes it easier for organizations to meet audit requirements, reducing the risk of fines or penalties for security lapses.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” custom_padding=”15px||||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n End users and customers expect that their data is handled with care and protected against breaches. By using FIPS 140-3-certified solutions, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to securing customer data with recognized, government-endorsed security standards. FIPS certification is a valuable trust signal, showing customers that their information is being managed with the highest level of protection available.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” custom_padding=”15px||||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Relying on uncertified or outdated cryptographic solutions increases the risk of data breaches. FIPS 140-3-certified solutions are tested to withstand advanced attacks and tampering, which is an important safeguard against threats that continue to evolve in complexity. Certified modules help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data, whether through intercepted communications, phishing, or other cyber threats.<\/span><\/p>\n FIPS 140-3 certification gives assurance, especially for organizations that handle high volumes of data, that they have adequate encryption to protect against sophisticated attacks.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” custom_padding=”15px||||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n According to <\/span>IBM\u2019s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024<\/span><\/a>, data breaches now cost $4.88 million (global average), with healthcare being the most costly at $9.8 million per breach. The financial impact is staggering, but the ongoing operational disruption and recovery efforts determine whether an organization can fully bounce back from a breach. With FIPS 140-3 certification, there\u2019s an added layer of resilience to an organization\u2019s infrastructure, which reduces the likelihood of breaches and ensures a secure base for maintaining continuity (such as through an <\/span>Isolated Recovery Environment<\/span><\/a>). By implementing FIPS-certified encryption, businesses can minimize downtime, maintain access to encrypted systems, and recover more smoothly from potential incidents.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” custom_padding=”15px||||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Organizations that follow rigorous data security standards are more likely to gain the trust of clients, stakeholders, and customers, especially in industries where security is non-negotiable. Organizations that adopt FIPS 140-3-certified infrastructure can differentiate themselves as having a reputation for security, which can be a competitive advantage that attracts customers and partners who value data protection.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”auto” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” border_color_top=”#78828A” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#D6D6D6″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For organizations managing large amounts of customer data, FIPS 140-3-certified solutions can be applied to several critical areas within network infrastructure:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”auto” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” border_color_top=”#78828A” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#D6D6D6″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n FIPS 140-3 certification gives organizations the ability to reassure customers, meet compliance requirements, and protect critical data across every layer of the network. Get in touch with our network infrastructure experts to discuss FIPS 140-3, isolated management infrastructure, and other resilience best practices.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/zpesystems.com\/contact\/” button_text=”Contact Us” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”auto” custom_margin=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” border_color_top=”#78828A” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#B5B5B5″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” border_color_top=”#D6D6D6″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Read about 7 benefits of implementing FIPS 140-3 across your out-of-band management infrastructure. This article discusses the benefits it brings to remotely accessing devices, protecting against physical attacks, and securing edge infrastructure.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/zpesystems.com\/7-security-benefits-of-implementing-fips-140-3-for-out-of-band-management\/” button_text=”FIPS for Out-of-Band Management” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”auto” custom_margin=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” border_color_top=”#78828A” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#B5B5B5″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_color_top=”#D6D6D6″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This post explains FIPS 140-3 security certification, and why it matters to organizations and their customers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":227480,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32,98,165,103,102,156,101,84,82,83,99,134],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-227475","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-datacenter-management","category-data-logging","category-edge-computing","category-improve-network-security","category-increase-productivity","category-micro-segmentation","category-minimize-impact-of-disruptions","category-monitoring-reporting","category-out-of-band-management","category-power-management","category-remote-network-management","category-zero-trust-security"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is FIPS 140-3 Certification?<\/h2>\n
\n
Why FIPS 140-3 Certification Matters<\/h2>\n
1. Meeting Regulatory Compliance Requirements<\/h3>\n
\n
2. Strengthening Customer Trust<\/h3>\n
3. Protecting Against Emerging Cyber Threats<\/h3>\n
4. Ensuring Business Continuity and Operational Resilience<\/h3>\n
5. Gaining a Competitive Advantage in Security-Conscious Markets<\/h3>\n
Key Applications of FIPS 140-3 in Network Infrastructure<\/h2>\n
\n
Discuss FIPS 140-3 With Our Network Infrastructure Experts<\/h2>\n
Explore FIPS 140-3 for Out-of-Band Management<\/h2>\n
More Resources<\/h2>\n
\n